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An Unexpected Inheritance: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (Darcy and Elizabeth Happily Ever Afters) Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,216 ratings

Not much in Fitzwilliam Darcy’s life has been unexpected. Until now.

As an officer in His Majesty’s service, Darcy’s life is completely mapped out before a letter from home sets him on a new path. He has inherited his family’s fortune, but as the former master’s great-nephew, he is not certain why.

With his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam in tow, Darcy visits his former commanding officer to learn what it takes to run an estate. He is quickly captivated by one of Bennet’s many daughters, but he fights the attraction. His new duties require his full attention.

Elizabeth Bennet has grown up as a general’s daughter, not a pampered country miss. Though her family has lived as gentry for several years, a part of her still longs for the freedoms her former life afforded.

Despite his insulting speech and gruff manners, Elizabeth suspects that the clever, handsome Mr. Darcy is as anxious to find his place in the world as she. Yet she must be reasonable. With his wealth and family connections to the peerage, Mr. Darcy would never consider her.

When trouble comes to Longbourn, can Darcy and Elizabeth conquer their reservations and fight this battle--together?

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From the Publisher

Little in Fitzwilliam Darcy's life has been unexpected...
Until now.
An Unexpected Inheritance

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09XN2DNBG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (May 5, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 5, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1603 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B09ZFHZTW5
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,216 ratings

About the author

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Melanie Rachel
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Melanie Rachel is a Jane Austen variation author who believes that the only thing better than a dashing hero is one who knows how to handle an unexpected adventure—or perhaps just a stubborn heroine. When she's not busy plotting how to put Darcy and Elizabeth in any number of predicaments, you can find her sipping tea and pretending it's still 1811.

You can find Melanie online at Facebook, Instagram, BookBub and her website (where you can join her newsletter and get a free short story). Just search for Melanie Rachel Books.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,216 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story fascinating and enjoyable. They praise the well-written, elegant prose and thoughtful writing style. Readers enjoy the delightful characters and their dialogue. The romance is described as charming and sweet.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

30 customers mention "Story quality"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's interesting plot and romance. They find the book engaging from the beginning with a great mystery and intrigue. The writing style is clever and the story has many different themes and ways to tell it. Readers mention there are never dull moments throughout.

"...I loved this take on Darcy, Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Bennet. A good mystery with some twists and turns as well as a genuinely sweet and tender take on..." Read more

"...Collins shows up: uninvited and unwanted. The handling of that event was highly interesting...." Read more

"...Bingley and Charlotte are different from canon, stronger and more emotionally aware...." Read more

"The story is not at all cannon...." Read more

23 customers mention "Enjoyment"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the satisfying conclusion to Wickham and Lydia's story. The book is described as a sweet and tender love story with interesting characters.

"...A good mystery with some twists and turns as well as a genuinely sweet and tender take on the love story...." Read more

"...the author was able to make Darcy, Fitzwilliam, Bingley, and Bennett all likeable. So often someone is shortchanged...." Read more

"A “flipping” of P & P in a very satisfying way. Everything that a variation should be with characters personalities written in an interesting way." Read more

"...And what might happen is ridiculous, wonderful, and delightful...." Read more

19 customers mention "Writing quality"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the prose elegant and thoughtfully written. The dialogue flows smoothly, with witty and humorous moments. Readers praise the author's skill in creating characters that are realistic and well-developed.

"...I really liked how the author was able to make Darcy, Fitzwilliam, Bingley, and Bennett all likeable. So often someone is shortchanged...." Read more

"...I highly recommend this story. It was well written." Read more

"...Well edited and well.Highly recommended. This goes on my to-read-again list." Read more

"...While it is nicely written and does have some sweet moments between the main characters, I would not call it a P&P variation at all...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters delightful and appreciate the dialogue between them.

"The story is not at all cannon. However, all our favorite characters are present and they each had some of the characteristics that you would expect..." Read more

"...Everything that a variation should be with characters personalities written in an interesting way." Read more

"...The story is fascinating, the characters are delightful, and I had a few laugh-out-loud moments. What a cast!..." Read more

"...The characters and events were a joy to read and see how it all played out. I loved the extra about Mr Bennet as well." Read more

7 customers mention "Romance"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romantic elements of the book. They find the characters charming, endearing, and cute. The proposal scene is unique and fun to read, while the re-imagining of the original lines is enjoyable.

"...Perhaps I'll be more patient than 2 days.Darcy and Elizabeth were lovely and so fun to read." Read more

"...favorite variations with an awesomely improved Mr. Bennet, a truly endearing Darcy, and a fun Colonel Fitzwilliam...." Read more

"...It made for a very charming mental picture of a character that I usually despise. All in all, this was another enjoyable read from Melanie Rachel...." Read more

"A lovely and original vagary. Darcy is a Lt Colonel right along side Colonel Fitzwilliam...." Read more

7 customers mention "Variety"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the variety of the book. They find it has different themes and ways to retell the story.

"This is one of the best variations I have read...." Read more

"This was such a wonderful read. It had many different themes and ways to retell this story. This was mixed with old characters and a few new ones...." Read more

"A very enjoyable variation with changes in basic facts. Mrs.Bennet is described as kind, generous, and formidable, but sadly has passed...." Read more

"This was an interesting premise and an absolutely delightful and enjoyable variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
    Kept me interested start to finish. I loved this take on Darcy, Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Bennet. A good mystery with some twists and turns as well as a genuinely sweet and tender take on the love story. I'll definitely look for more from this writer. Also: BIG DARCY SUPREMACY.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2022
    I really liked the set up of Darcy and Fitzwilliam in the military. Spending so much time at Longbourn was lovely. I really liked how the author was able to make Darcy, Fitzwilliam, Bingley, and Bennett all likeable. So often someone is shortchanged. I will definitely be rereading this in the future. Perhaps I'll be more patient than 2 days.
    Darcy and Elizabeth were lovely and so fun to read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2022
    Having been teased by the various excerpts and comments during the blog tour I could not wait to read this story, even though it was not available from KU.

    As the story begins, we are reading about Darcy and his cousin, Richard, in their roles under the command of General Bennet. Pay attention to the incident described as it has significance as the story plays out. The General is wounded. Darcy gets a letter from his uncle, Lord Matlock, that he has inherited Pemberley. This is a surprise as his great uncle, who owned Pemberly, has a brother whom all expected to inherit. Why the change in his will?

    Darcy, instead of departing for Pemberley (having been reared by his father a barrister) contacts Bennet, asking for some guidance, an education (if you will) in how to manage an estate. He takes Richard with him as he plans to share Pemberley with him. Richard does have an older brother who will inherit. However, that brother's character leaves doubts that he will be around long or that he will ever produce an heir. So, Richard might come into estate ownership on his own.

    So, we have these two men living at Longbourn. The sisters have been reared with more attention to their education and manners. They do NOT come out early. Plus, although she died before her husband retired, Mrs. Bennet had different behaviors. She took care of the troops under her husband's command; not only feeding them on occasion but also tending to their wounds, their wives and children, etc. (If, like the Bennets, the whole family "followed the drum".)

    So, we read two different threads in this story: one is of romance (...not only Darcy and Elizabeth) and the other is a mystery as to who and why it seems General Bennet is the target of several attempts at murder. Elizabeth has taken on the chore of helping a large and clumsy Darcy learn some social graces, i.e., dancing. This was amusing.

    There is an accident with a carriage. Jane was in grave danger with that event and Elizabeth also puts herself at high risk as she seeks to extricate her sister from the carriage. Then as things develop there are questions as to whether it was at all an accident.

    Bingley does rent Netherfield but is a new acquaintance to Darcy, as well as the Bennets. Wickham shows up and his interaction with Elizabeth plays out differently. Colonel Forster's reaction as he is informed about this troop member's history is a surprise.

    Collins shows up: uninvited and unwanted. The handling of that event was highly interesting. Things for him play out a little differently, also.

    The danger deepens and help is recruited from London - men who were known to the General when he served.

    At the end, the author then gives us a link to Love, Thomas An Unexpected Inheritance Bonus Epilogue. (I cannot find this book listed anywhere to give a review...just know that it has to do with Mr. Bennet deciding to look at marrying again, especially in light of how awful Collins is.) I did read and enjoy this separate story...a sequel.

    I highly recommend this story. It was well written.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
    This is one of the best variations I have read. The personalities of Bennet, Darcy and Fitzwilliam as military men provide the foundation for the entire book. Elizabeth, Jane, Bingley and Charlotte are different from canon, stronger and more emotionally aware. The mystery kept me guessing for quite a while — very well done.

    Well edited and well.

    Highly recommended. This goes on my to-read-again list.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2022
    The story is not at all cannon. However, all our favorite characters are present and they each had some of the characteristics that you would expect. Lizzie and Darcy were both larger than life. The author was not subtle in the way they were developed. I especially liked Charlotte Lucas in this version.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2024
    A “flipping” of P & P in a very satisfying way. Everything that a variation should be with characters personalities written in an interesting way.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022
    It's OPPOSITE DAY at Pride & Prejudice! Every little circumstance in the original is turned on its head here. While it is nicely written and does have some sweet moments between the main characters, I would not call it a P&P variation at all. Yes, it calls itself a vagary, but even that's going a bit far. The characters share names with the originals, but have nothing else in common. To my eye, it's rather slow, dark and heavy, and feels more Victorian or even like a gritty American western, partly for its obsession with guns. It is very far from light, witty and satirical like the original Jane.

    Maybe if you're from a military family you'll love this. I didn't. It's just not my cup of tea.

    And now, a longer list of "In whiches," or jarring opposites.
    -Elizabeth is obedient and tractable
    -Jane is witty and has a spine
    -The younger girls have a governess and are not yet out
    -Mr. Bingley has foresight and street smarts
    -Darcy is a lowly officer and comes from a family of trade
    SPOILERS!
    -Charlotte marries for love
    -Mr. Bennett may yet have a son.

    IN SHORT, if you have deep respect for military life, or love Dickens, other Victorian literature or westerns, you may love this. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2022
    This is really a bit of a stretch to call it a variation - the characters have wildly different backstories and presents, so it’s more like the names of our beloved P&P folk are used, with some heavy, “If things were very different for everyone, what might happen?” And what might happen is ridiculous, wonderful, and delightful.

    I love any variation, no matter how wild, that has a lot of playful-yet-military-tactician Col. Fitzwilliam, and he does not disappoint here! The story is fascinating, the characters are delightful, and I had a few laugh-out-loud moments. What a cast! Also: Bingley with a backbone and some strategy is always a gift. Lizzy is rather more active than even canon - but it works. And Darcy as a military man is very interesting.

    I loved the book and the bonus epilogue is a sheer delight.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Charlene Vickers
    5.0 out of 5 stars An original plot, well-rounded characters, and a true mystery
    Reviewed in Canada on November 9, 2024
    "Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were firing with arrows, but Jane was manning the artillery. The superior sisters never stood a chance."

    In An Unexpected Inheritance, Colonel Fitzwilliam Darcy receives a letter in Spain bearing the startling news that he has inherited the estate of Pemberley in Derbyshire. Completely unprepared to join the landed gentry but aware of his responsibilities, he and his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam return to England, stopping first at Longbourn in Hertfordshire where their former commander General Bennet owns an estate. Love is just beginning to bloom between Darcy and the General's impertinent daughter when a series of events lead to one inescapable conclusion: someone is trying to kill the General, and it's up to Darcy and Fitzwilliam to solve the mystery.

    This novel has everything a reader could want: adventure, character development, treacheries petty and great, intrigue, a heroic Lizzy, an intrepid Jane, a courageous Bingley, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Very highly recommended.
  • AquaViola
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 11, 2024
    This starts off as another Darcy and Lizzy 'will they'/'won't they'. However, there is a mystery two-thirds of the way through - worth reading for that, as well. Recommended.
  • Judy Coldwell
    5.0 out of 5 stars I try to take my time ...
    Reviewed in France on February 22, 2023
    .... having read most of the books by this lady, and thoroughly enjoyed them, when I start a new one I try to take my time but fail miserably. I’m so engrossed in the story that I stay up late and start early with my reading, housework goes to the dogs and I OD on tea and biscuits. Worth every calorie !!!
    It’s not just the first time of reading I do this with each re-read 😋
  • Carole in Canada
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unique 'outside-the-box' premise
    Reviewed in Canada on June 16, 2022
    "It felt as though something very significant had shifted, and it had thrown him entirely off balance." (quote from the book)

    I am never disappointed in Ms. Rachel's novels. They are always unique and well written and this one is no different with an 'outside-the-box' premise...Mr. Darcy is a Major in his Majesty's Army, his cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam is a Lieutenant Colonel, and his General is Thomas Bennet! There is also a bit of mystery in this one that slowly builds throughout.

    "I am not leaving Spain without you." (quote from the book)

    When Major Darcy receives a letter from his Uncle Matlock saying he has inherited the Darcy holdings from his Great-Uncle, Darcy is shocked...it was totally unexpected. He resigns his commission and insists that his cousin does likewise. They have been as close as brothers all their lives. Knowing nothing of estate management, they request help from General Bennet whose has retired. So begins their education and Mr. Darcy's dancing lessons.

    "Elizabeth would be a suitable partner for you, Darcy...Her feet are as quick as her tongue, and she will not be cowed by you." (quote from the book)

    For me, this was a gentle, lighter read with moments of intensity. The family dynamics of the Bennet family were different and believable because of it. I quite liked the change. Mr. Wickham's role had a very interesting twist and Mr. Bingley's character was a very pleasant surprise. But Mr. Collins comeuppance was well played. It would have to be, since Thomas Bennet was a retired General!

    I highly recommend this latest novel from Ms. Rachel. I certainly look forward to her next book!
  • GORDON Steadman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Different and interesting
    Reviewed in France on March 3, 2024
    Enjoyable variation on the theme.

    Most of our favourite characters are there in some form along with a few new villains.

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